BlackRock names new head of global trading as senior FX trader departs

BlackRock has named Supurna VedBrat, one of its most senior electronic traders, as its new head of global trading.

Beginning in the second quarter, she will oversee its global trading operations and is “responsible for setting the strategic vision and drive innovation across the platform,” according to a statement from Richie Prager, head of BlackRock’s Trading, Liquidity and Investments Platform.

VedBrat was previously deputy head of trading, responsible for global equities trading and prime brokerage financing, as well as serving as co-head of electronic trading and market structure.

According to an internal memo from the world’s largest asset manager: “Her understanding of both the buy-side and sell-side as well as electronic trading allowed her to work towards industry solutions that work for both sides during this unique period of rapid change in the industry as it relates to trading.”

However Chris Vogel, BlackRock’s global head of fixed income and currencies trading, is planning to leave the company, a BlackRock spokesperson confirmed.

Vogel joined BlackRock in 2011 after serving as head of derivatives at Pierpoint Securities. He was also one of Bank of America’s most senior FX traders.